Intermec, now part of Honeywell Scanning & Mobility, has launched the CN51 rugged mobile computer, which offers the choice of Android or Windows operating systems on a single device.

Photo - Intermec device in use by an international courier company.

Intermec, now part of Honeywell Scanning & Mobility, has launched in Malaysia its CN51 rugged mobile computer, which offers the choice of Android or Windows operating systems on a single device, intended primarily for supply chain professionals.

Honeywell Scanning & Mobility vice president for global marketing Peter Fehl said the new ERP tool is a 'next-generation mobile computing solution that offers unparalleled versatility and is primed for use in direct store delivery, transportation and logistics and field service operations.'

"With support for both Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 and Android 4.1, the industry-leading CN51 underscores our commitment to innovation and ability to meet the diverse needs of a global workforce," said Fehl.

He said the device would deliver 'a superior user experience to Malaysian supply chain professionals with its large, multi-touch, outdoor-readable screen that allowed increased productivity, as well as more space for capturing signatures.'

Smart battery technology ensured the CN51 will last through a full 12-hour shift and was an upgrade from the current CN50, added Fehl. "The new CN51 is available with Intermec's EA30 or EA31 high performance imagers for optimal reading of 1D and 2D barcodes in various conditions, including low light scanning environments."

"While rugged devices are designed to be more function or application-specific than smartphones, there is growing consensus that these devices deliver a similar immersive experience and have similar capabilities as function-rich smartphones," said analyst firm VDC vice president of mobile & wireless, David Krebs.

"As Android matures in the enterprise it represents an increasingly viable option for rugged vendors such as Intermec to bridge this functionality gap and deliver the capabilities their partners and customers are looking for," said Honeywell's Fehl.